Medically reviewed by Dr. Álvaro Chaux specialist in aesthetic medicine, licence no. 61405Published on 4 November 2026
Aesthetic treatments in winter: which ones are best?
Winter is the time for the more intensive skin treatments, such as chemical peels and laser, because there is less sun and the skin can heal without the risk of dark spots. Treatments that improve skin quality, such as skinboosters, can be done all year round.
As the cold sets in, we hear one question in consultation more than any other: «what can I have done now?». The short answer is that winter is the best season for treatments that work deep into the skin, and that maintenance treatments have no season.
Make the most of winter to treat your skin
Which aesthetic treatments can you have in winter?
«Treatments that improve skin quality are suitable all year round», explains Dr. Álvaro Chaux, aesthetic doctor at Instituto de Benito. «And now that there is less sun exposure, it is a good time for treatments that work more intensively on the skin».
Among them, the doctor points to chemical peels, laser treatments and other procedures to improve texture, skin quality and dark spots.
Why is winter the best time for laser and peels?
Because these treatments renew the outer layers of the skin and leave it more sensitive to the sun for a few weeks. Sun exposure during that time raises the risk of new dark spots, which is exactly the opposite of what you want.
In winter the days are short, the sun is weaker and we spend fewer hours outdoors. That allows a more intensive treatment and gives the skin time to recover. Even so, sunscreen is still a must every morning.
What does a chemical peel do in winter?
A chemical peel applies a solution that exfoliates the skin in a controlled way. It removes dead cells, lightens dark spots, refines texture and brings back the glow that cold weather and central heating take away.
The depth is chosen according to your skin and what needs treating. At Instituto de Benito, a facial chemical peel costs €200 (VAT included) and a periocular peel, €100.
Which laser is best in winter?
For texture, acne scars, fine lines and sun spots we use the Frax laser, a fractional laser with two wavelengths: 1550 nm for scars and deep texture, and 1940 nm for dark spots and surface sun damage.
Sessions on small areas start at €250. Several are usually needed, so starting in autumn or winter lets you finish the course before spring.
For dark spots, redness and uneven tone we also work with intense pulsed light, from €290 per session. We explain how many sessions you need in intense pulsed light: what it is for.
Which skin quality treatments can be done all year round?
Those that hydrate and stimulate the skin from within, without exfoliating it, do not depend on the season:
- Skinbooster: hyaluronic acid in micro-injections to hydrate the skin and give it a glow. From €290 per session.
- Polynucleotides: improve the quality and elasticity of thin or tired skin.
- Biorevitalisation: vitamins and active ingredients for dull skin.
- Collagen inducers: restore firmness gradually.
They are especially useful in winter, because cold weather and central heating dry the skin out. If you are not sure which one to choose, we explain it in skinboosters and biostimulators: which to choose.
What about the body?
The same logic applies to the body: areas that are in the sun in summer, such as the neckline or the legs, are better treated now. Stretch marks, for example, respond well to the 1550 nm Frax laser, which needs several sessions and untanned skin.
What skin care is needed after a treatment in winter?
- High-protection sunscreen every morning, on cloudy days too.
- A moisturising, repairing cream, especially if the heating is on.
- Avoid exfoliants and retinoids for the first few days, unless your doctor says otherwise.
- If you are going skiing, tell us at your appointment: altitude and the glare off the snow multiply the radiation.
Frequently asked questions about aesthetic treatments in winter
How can I look after my skin in winter?
With a gentle cleanser that does not dry the skin, a richer cream than in summer, daily sunscreen and a humidifier if you spend many hours with the heating on. We go through it step by step in how to hydrate your skin properly.
Which face cream is good for cold weather?
A cream with more lipids than your summer one, with ingredients that hold water, such as hyaluronic acid, and that repairs the skin barrier. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Why is it not a good idea to have a peel or laser in summer?
Because afterwards the skin stays more sensitive to the sun for a few weeks and the risk of dark spots goes up. In winter the treatment can be more intensive with less risk.
What aesthetic treatments are there for the skin?
They fall into two main groups: those that renew the skin, such as peels and laser, and those that hydrate and stimulate it, such as skinboosters or collagen inducers. You can see them all in aesthetic medicine.
Do I need an assessment before the treatment?
Yes. The first aesthetic medicine visit costs €50 and is deducted from your first treatment. During it the doctor examines your skin and decides which treatment and what intensity suit you.